Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Taproom

The Taproom at Wolf's Ridge Brewing
215 N 4th Street – Enter off Hickory St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
http://www.wolfsridgebrewing.com/tap-room-1/

Top Tastes
1. Cinnamon Toast Brunch Cream Ale
2. Salted Potato Chips with Onion Dip
3. Dire Wolf Imperial Stout
4. Driftwood Grapefruit Session IPA
5. Clear Sky Daybreak Ale

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing puts out some extraordinary brunch food, as I’ve written before, gorgeous plates piled high with mounds of colorful and delicious food. But don’t forget about their spectacular beers! WRB has added a taproom fairly recently which focuses on just the brews, and it’s a wonderful addition as local watering hole. The taproom itself is attached to the main restaurant, but has a separate entrance, and those looking for a more casual vibe will be right at home here. The building housing the taproom is industrial and bright, with original windows and long, spacious tables waiting to accommodate your group.

Wolf's Ridge Brewing Tap Room Menu Board

The best thing of all about the WRB taproom is, naturally, the beer. Even considering the variety of drafts on tap in the restaurant, this bar area has stepped up the game with an impressive selection of beverages not for sale elsewhere. The 20 taps range from old WRB standbys to funky infusions. On a given day you can sample sips of robust Dire Wolf Imperial Stout, or try the drinkable and mildly hopped Driftwood Grapefruit Session IPA. There are also a number of takes on a specific beer; during my most recent trip, they had Clear Sky Cream Ale in Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Clear Sky Coffee Vanilla, and Creamsicle Orange Cream varieties. Your best bet is probably a flight to taste them all. For non-beer lovers, there are some excellent possibilities too, like the Sorbet & Tonic with housemade cherry sorbet and Watershed Gin.

Wolf's Ridge Taproom

With this much imbibing bound to occur, snacks are a must. The menu for small bites is short but not lacking in flair or flavor, and also is at a more approachable price point than regular meal choices. The Salted Potato Chips with Onion Dip were my fav, a dangerously tall mound of chips, served alongside a cute jar of savory onion spread; they were an ideal compliment to my beer. Other items include homemade BBQ pork rinds, spiced mixed nuts, and olive and pickle jars.

Culinary Clue: Grab some friends and mix up your drink spot by checking out Wolf’s Ridge Brewing’s Taproom this summer! Don’t miss the happy hour: it lasts ’til 8 and includes major discounts on many brews.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Wolf's Ridge Brewing Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Condado Tacos: Margarita Flight

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Drinks to Try this Summer

Last year I made a list of 5 beers to try during summer, so this year I added some cocktails into the mix. Without further ado:

Seventh Son Brewing: Nimbus Iceberg

Seventh Son Brewing: Nimbus Iceberg

Nothing says “I’m a true adult” like a beer slushie! Seventh Son’s offering consists of their own Humulus Nimbus Super Pale Ale, topped with a frozen scoop of a homemade Paloma slushie. It’s bitter, citrusy, and drowning in tequila, guaranteed to cool you down once warmer temps hit.

http://seventhsonbrewing.com/

Condado Tacos: Margarita Flight

Condado Tacos: Margarita Flight

The only thing better than one fruity margarita? Three! Wash down Condado’s guacamole and salty chips with your choice of 3 mini margs, and you’ll be ready for sunshine. Choices include typical flavors such as strawberry and peach, but blood orange, prickly pear, and kiwi are wonderful selections too.

http://www.condadotacos.com/

Brothers Drake: Summer Apple Mead

Brothers Drake

I love Brothers Drake’s Apple Pie mead as much as the next gal, but it can evoke fall more than summer. The solution? Give their Summer Apple mead a whirl! This new offering is made with crisp, tart Granny Smith apples and no cidery spices. The result is all the apple goodness you want in your mead, in a much lighter version.

http://www.brothersdrake.com/

Land-Grant Brewing: Greenskeeper Session IPA

Land-Grant Brewing: Greenskeeper Session IPA

Since session IPA’s are the ideal summer beer, I had to include one on this list. Land-Grant recently started canning this drinkable brew, and it’s available in stores all over the city. With the Memorial Tournament coming up, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of patio season than by cracking open this 4.7% beer.

https://www.landgrantbrewing.com/

Rhubarb Sunrise

Rhubarb Sunrise

Rhubarb is one of those rare Ohio garden items that is ready early in the season. Track some down at your local farmer’s market or in the freezer section, and whip up a tangy-sweet syrup that is delicious for cocktail-making. I like to mix a few tablespoons of rhubarb syrup with Watershed vodka, a splash of orange juice, and top it off with sparking water for a perfect summer sipper. The natural pink hue can’t be beat!

See my recipe for rhubarb soda:
http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/rhubarb-soda/

Guest Post For: Little Adventures Await

Mothers Day Brunch

Mother’s Day is one of the best holidays of the year – the weather finally starts to turn, and it is so important to take time to celebrate the special woman in our lives. Everyone has their own Mother’s Day dining traditions, but you should definitely consider taking mom out for brunch! When Stacie from Little Adventures Await (http://www.littleadventuresawait.com) asked me to guest post for her Mother’s Day roundup, it was the perfect opportunity to pick my Mother’s Day brunch favorites. Below, you will find my restaurant ideas for Mom’s big day, but you MUST check out Stacie’s full article here: http://www.littleadventuresawait.com/2016/04/mothers-day-in-cbus.html. She has tons of gift inspiration, and also multiple giveways! Plus if you are looking for fun things to do with kids in our capital city, she is your go-to girl.

The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek

http://thebarncolumbus.com/
Mothers Day Brunch at The Barn
For a traditional brunch that the whole family will love, book a table at The Barn. This Cameron Mitchell spot is serving up a bounty of dishes, ranging from eggs benedict to peel-and-eat shrimp, plus two carving stations. The enormous patio in the back also boasts cozy chairs, its own bar, and multiple fire pits to gather with your crew afterwards. Hurry though, because reservations are filling up fast!

Dough Mama

http://www.dough-mama.com/
Dough Mama
Treat the special mama in your life to a slice of heaven at Dough Mama. The inviting Clintonville bakery is the ideal place to nosh on savory low-key treats such as seasonal quiche, fruit hand pies, and bread pudding, all paired with Thunderkiss coffee. Best of all, every mom that comes in the door gets to take home a free slice of pie!

Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar

http://www.lindeys.com/
A Columbus classic, check out Lindey’s in German Village for an upscale and satisfying dining affair. Lindey’s is offering a buffet as well as a special a la carte menu for the occasion, so you have the best of both worlds. You can gorge yourself on dishes like beignets or a Monte Cristo with maple blueberry jam, mother-approved!

Zen-Cha Tea Salon

http://www.zen-cha.com/
Give mom the gift of a unique and tasty experience at Zen-Cha. The lady in your life will adore sipping every variety of tea under the sun. Nibble on plump Chinese dumplings and Earl Grey pancakes, or order the miniature scone sampler to share with the table. Brunch doesn’t have to be fussy to be beautiful and scrumptious.

101 Beer Kitchen

http://www.101beerkitchen.com/
Pretzels from 101 Beer Kitchen
If you are a procrastinator like me, some of the fancier spots might be booked before Mother’s Day creeps up on you. 101 Beer Kitchen to the rescue! Seating is first come, first serve, and there are Dublin and Gahanna locations. My mouth is already watering over the 101 Twinkie, a pastry cream- stuffed take on French toast and the pretzels with beer cheese. For the craft brew-loving mom, this should be your pick.

Brunchin’ It Up: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Brunchin it Up at Wolf's Ridge Brewing
215 N. 4th Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-429-3936
http://www.wolfsridgebrewing.com/

Top Tastes:
1.  Bacon French Toast
2. Toad in the Hole
3. Sugared Dougnuts
4. Howlin’ Tail
5. Driftwood Session IPA

When a brewery-restaurant can fully master both the beer and the kitchen sides of the equation, there’s not too much more that I am looking for in a dining experience. Wolf’s Ridge Brewing certainly fits the bill here. But then, the downtown spot went above and beyond, developing a brunch menu with beautifully plated and innovative cuisine. It’s a combo of elegant brunch dishes and well-made beers that is impossible to find anywhere else in Columbus.

Donuts from Wolfs Ridge

Let me go ahead and let you know ahead of time: you will struggle to select your meal. My husband and I had to go the “divide-and-conquer” route on our most recent visit so that we could sample as many items as possible, and still wanted to try more entrees. The poutine special they had that day really threw off our game, but who can say no to peppers + onions, sausage gravy, and an egg over shoestring fries? So we had that too. The regular menu though, is packed with delectable choices. Take the sugared doughnuts, for instance: large doughnut holes that arrive at your table warm and puffy, with eggnog anglaise for dipping. Or try the Bacon French Toast, any bacon lover’s dream: Brioche bread, bourbon bacon ice cream, applewood smoked bacon, anglaise, and syrup. It’s ok to get ice cream for breakfast if it’s a dish someone else created, right? I am so glad I decided the answer is a resounding “yes!” The Toad in the Hole, or “hens in a nest/eggs in a basket,” depending where you’re from, had the best porter cheese sauce, and was served with fingerling potatoes and bacon. It looked way better than any egg I’d fried up at home, that’s for sure. And there’s more too: Oysters Rockefeller frittatas, Cuban-style eggs benedicts, or a Kentucky Fried Chicken sandwich.

Toad in the Hole from Wolf's Ridge

The drink possibilities are worthy complements to the fabulous fare.  Wolf’s Ridge Brewing has some excellent beers to quench your late-morning thirst, all of which are brewed in-house. Flights are available to taste them all, but my favorites for brunch are the Driftwood Session IPA, to ease into the day with a low ABV brew, or the creamy N2 the Night Stout.  On the cocktail side of things, sip on the Beermosa: House Hefeweizen, Lillet, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, or my favorite, the Howlin’ Tail: Howling Moon beer, Watershed gin, lime, orange, St. Germain, and grapefruit bitters. Beer cocktails should really be more popular.

Bacon French Toast

Culinary Clue: If you are looking for a lighter snack or post-brunch beverage, check out the tap room at the back of the restaurant. It is a separate space with munchies, a full draft list, and sometimes even live music. Take a peek at the menu here: http://www.wolfsridgebrewing.com/menu-1/

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Wolf's Ridge Brewing Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen

Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen
850 N 4th St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-401-4033
http://www.hoofhearted.bar/

Top Tastes:
1. Kimchi Panzanella
2. Roller Blabe DIPA
3. Poutine
4. Musk of the Minotaur IPA
5. Are We Having Fun Yet? Pale Ale

Hoof Hearted Swag

What do you get when you mix great craft beer, innovative cuisine, and a dash of humor? The new Hoof Hearted Brewery & Kitchen, of course! I’ve long been a fan of Hoof Hearted’s beer offerings (thanks to The Daily Growler) but I was totally blown away by the food at the brewpub. A great addition to Italian Village, Hoof Hearted’s restaurant is airy and colorful. Brew tanks encased in glass are the joint’s focal point, and they have an excellent assortment of logo-laden swag on display for purchase as well.

Poutine and Hoof Hearted Beers

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty though. Hoof Hearted shines the most when it comes to IPA’s; which is just dandy for this hophead. The Musk of the Minotaur IPA is a great mix of citrus and hop bitterness, and I love Roller Blabe, the fruity and smooth Double India Pale Ale. The “party pale” ale, Are We Having Fun Yet?, is a beer that is just drinkable enough for summer patio-sipping. A gose, a coffee ale, and other solid picks are also available.

Kimchi Panzanella

Sometimes breweries that serve food get stuck in the same old rut, dishing up pretzels and greasy fries. Not so for the Hoof Hearted menu, since the creators of Crest Gastropub are at the helm. I am desperate for the recipe to recreate the Kimchi Panzanella, one of my favorite bites of 2016 so far. This shareable plate takes chunks of bread, Brussels Sprouts, and tangy kimchi, then slathers it all in an out-of-this-world red pepper sauce. So original, so savory, and surprisingly vegan-friendly! We also sampled the oxtail toast and the poutine. The poutine was a table favorite, with large potato wedges topped with jalapenos, daikon, pork cheek, onion rings, brown gravy, and a gloriously runny egg. The cheese plate looked killer, as did the fried chicken and the taco quartet – I must return soon for these items. Desserts consist of apple pie dolloped with sage whipped cream and a pistachio-crusted fig tart.

Fig Tart

Culinary Clue: Don’t forget about Hoof Hearted’s Marengo taproom either. At this original location, you can score cans of your favorite brews on select weekends, and drink their selections on draft as well. Be sure to get there early – these can release parties can get crowded.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

2016 Hot List

2016 Hot List

It’s my dining bucket list! This compilation contains some eateries that are brand-new and some fan favorites that I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t sampled yet. The thing I’m looking forward to the most about 2016 is discovering more Columbus cuisine and returning to the restaurants that I love.

Restaurants to Try

Salt & Pine:  http://saltandpine250.com
From ricotta gnudi to short ribs, every photo I’ve seen of the dishes here make my mouth water. Plus with Harvest Pizzeria as a sister restaurant, what could go wrong?

Krema:  http://www.krema.com
I’m obsessed with peanut butter anything, so I’m mystified that I haven’t made it to Krema before. With all kinds of peanut butter sandwiches and milkshakes too, this place sounds like my personal paradise.

Copious:  http://www.copiouscolumbus.com
This 2015 newcomer pops up on my radar constantly, so its menu must be pretty magical. Crab Dip? Duck Confit Risotto? Count me in.

Tai Tiki:  http://www.taitiki.com
Everything about Tai Tiki is tempting! They have seafood-heavy selections, and fruity, pineapple-garnished drinks. Who doesn’t want to be transported to the tropics in the dead of Ohio winter?

Kolache Republic:  http://kolacherepublic.com
The Czech bakery’s kolache are yeast dough pockets filled with sweet or savory goodies. I’m sure either kind will be divine.

Angry Bear Kitchen:  http://www.angrybearkitchen.com
Innovated dishes are the name of the game here, and I’m dying to check it out. Items like chicken-fried squash or grilled strawberry sauce sound wildly unique.

Sunflower Chinese Restaurant:  http://www.columbussunflower.com
I’m crazy for dim sum, so why haven’t I been here yet? This Dublin spot is touted as the best dim sum restaurant in town, and trying one of everything is the key to my heart.

Sweet Carrot:  http://sweetcarrotcolumbus.com
The beloved food truck turned brick-and-mortar in Grandview this year, and I’m intrigued by their offerings. Corn cakes and macaroni and cheese sound right up my alley.

Restaurants to Revisit

Here are some spots that I love, but that I’ve neglected lately. Each of these locations deserves a second or third visit, ASAP.

Guild House:  http://www.theguildhousecolumbus.com
I’ve enjoyed a remarkable happy hour at this beautiful Cameron Mitchell staple, but to gain a real appreciation for this spot, I need to come back for the full meal experience.

Denmark on High:  http://www.denmarkonhigh.com
It’s been far too long since I stopped back into Denmark, where my husband and I used to be regulars. The house-made cocktail components really shine through, and they serve up a mean charcuterie plate.

Charcuterie Plate from Denmark

Hounddog’s 3 Degree Pizza:  http://www.hounddogspizza.com
They know how to make a pie at this campus-area dive. Oh Smokin’ Joe’s crust, how I miss you. Can we get back together soon?

Veritas Tavern:  http://www.veritastavern.com
Every course I ate at Veritas Tavern this year blew my mind and the menu changes seasonally, so a return visit is definitely in order.

Veritas Tavern in Deleware

Lola and Giuseppe’s Trattoria:  http://www.lolas-italian.com
The teeny Gahanna gem is one of the best Italian spots in the city, but doesn’t get enough recognition. I could survive on the sweet onion bisque alone for at least a week.

The Refectory:  http://www.therefectoryrestaurant.com
It’s been forever since I’ve stopped into this upscale French classic. For my next special occasion meal, you’ll find me here.

Mikey’s Late Night Slice:  http://www.latenightslice.com/
I’m always in the mood for some Mikey’s. With the opening of the Fourth Street location with an expanded menu, there’s no time like the present!

Late Night Slice

What restaurants are must-try places for you in 2016? Have you been to any of these joints?

Keep Connected,

Caroline

2015 Year in Review

2015 Year in Review
2015 has been a spectacular year for so many reasons, but deciding to start this blog has been one of the most fulfilling. It’s provided me with a creative writing outlet and been a way to document my favorite hobby. So as I reflect on all of the fun I’ve had this year, here are some of the Columbus Culinary Connection posts that you as readers have loved the most, and a few of my favorite snapshots from my first year as a blogger. This is a lengthier post, but it’s too challenging to narrow down my experiences!

Eats and Treats

Year in Review - Hot Chicken Takeover
Doing so much writing forced me to discover new restaurants that I’d never set foot in previously, and I’m so glad it got me out of my usual rotation. I unearthed gems like Hot Chicken Takeover and Veritas Tavern, and became a regular at places such as 101 Beer Kitchen, Harvest Pizzeria, and Harvest Moon Cafe. I want to take up residence at Fox in the Snow. I also started a food truck series that has been super entertaining; you adored posts about Por’Ketta and Tortilla Street Food the most.

Brews and Bottles

Year in Review - Rockmill

I relished getting the chance to chronicle my most-loved watering holes, and add some new ones to my list as well. From wineries like Buckeye Lake to campus-area meadery Brothers Drake, it was a joy sampling local spirits! I upped my craft beer numbers too, by picking up rare finds at Crafted Drafts and Rockmill Brewery. Curio curated one of my favorite cocktails, the Dapper Dan, and I began writing monthly boozy recipes for Drink Up Columbus.

Local Love

Year in Review - Liberty Pottery

Columbus as a community is all about helping others and supporting local, family-owned businesses. There are so many options for gifts, tours, or non-chain spots to grab a bite. In 2015 I featured joints like this in one neighborhood in particular, Grandview. Next year, look for a neighborhood guide on a new section of Cbus! I also started a “5 to Try” column, highlighting topics like products or pizza. I had a blast visiting the Ohio History Center Speakeasy event, and traveling to South Carolina, Biltmore Estate, and Pittsburgh, with a few other quick jaunts in between.

Recipes

Year in Review - Pork Tenderloin

Sharing new cooking creations and my family’s favorite meals was very personal for me. Grilling pork tenderloin with this marinade proved tasty beyond belief, and this easy sweet Italian salad dressing was also a hit. My mom shared the first guest post on the blog, detailing our Christmas cookie traditions.

Instagram is a platform that truly lets food photos shine, and it’s been so enjoyable sharing a photograph each day as I eat my way through the capital city. Below, you will find my most memorable Instagram shots and a few extra pics sprinkled in. Follow along at @cbusconnect :

2015 Photos in Review

It’s always been my mission to share my love of all things culinary and all things Columbus, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store! I am so humbled and grateful that so many of you have taken the time to read the posts, send me emails, and promote this brand.

What has been your favorite post this year? Is there a can’t-miss restaurant you want to see featured? Let me know in the comments!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year. You know, when it starts to get so close to crunch time for holiday gifts that even online ordering will let you down. This year, save yourself a panic attack and shop local! Steer clear of gas gift cards and ties that no one wants – you can do so much better in the presents department. Here are some of my favorite gifts for the food and drink lover in your life; all are Columbus-centric.

For the Foodie:

Jeni’s Spendid Ice Creams is touting one of the most craveable selections on this list: The Pint Club. Four times a year, receive three unique pints of Jeni’s, delivered right to your doorstep. What’s not to love?

The North Market offers gift cards which can be redeemed at the vendor stalls within the building. There are so many good options to utilize these certificates: Pistacia Vera, Hot Chicken Takeover, or freshly rolled ravioli at Pastaria.

Pastaria at North Market

Not interested in making dessert? I’m obsessed with the cutout cookies from Jana Lee’s Bake Shop. Her designs are creative and will have your guests drooling. Or give a box of them to someone with a sweet tooth!

Jana Lee Bake Shop Christmas Cookies

Breakfast with Nick’s cozy breakfast-themed t-shirts are also a great choice for a hard-to-buy friend. Find them here.

For the Drinker:

A starter kit from The Daily Growler is a perfect present for craft beer nerds. You get a growler, 2 pint glasses, and a $10 gift card to the taproom, all for $25.

The Daily Growler Starter Kit

Giving a gift of an experience is always a good way to spend time with someone. Columbus Brew Adventures tours visit multiple breweries and distilleries, transporting you around the city and providing tastings. Learn more here. Food tours are available too, from Columbus Food Adventures.

Camelot Cellars offers a Handcraft Your Own Wine Package, a tasty twist on gift-giving. This purchase lets you create, bottle, and custom-label your own series of wine.

Books are always crowd-pleasers for the reader that also loves to drink. I recommend Historic Columbus Taverns, for some interesting facts about some of our town’s most beloved watering holes.

Columbus Taverns Book

For the Home Chef:

There are so many locations in Columbus to take cooking classes, places that offer lessons for novices and expert cooks alike. The Commissary, Shaw’s Restaurant & Inn, and Franklin Park Conservatory all have classes for every cuisine imaginable.

If you have a friend that loves to play host or hostess, there are so many options for kitchen decor.  Elm + Iron has a beautiful shop in Clintonville filled with items like fun bar signs, Columbus Barrel Co. bottle openers, and these snarky plates.

Holiday Gift Guide Entertainer

Check out Celebrate Local for wine, wooden cutting boards, and other local items like jams and syrups to add to your seasonal table.

Celebrate Local

Have some ideas for local gifts for culinary-loving friends and family? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

 

Disclosure: In an effort to be completely transparent, the book link through Amazon is an affiliate link. I do get a small advertising commission if you buy it, but you are not charged anything extra.

A Visit to: Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate
One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
http://www.biltmore.com/

As a history nerd and lover of all things Downton Abbey, it is remarkable that I hadn’t visited Biltmore Estate already. But this October, I finally made it! Biltmore is located in Asheville, North Carolina, a funky foodie town in itself. From Columbus, Asheville is only a short 7 hour drive, and depending on the route you take, winds through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Because it was my first trip, I took the basic audio tour of the estate, and was not disappointed. No photography is allowed inside, but I got some great shots of the exterior of the mansion and the grounds. It was a little chilly, but we were so glad that we went in the fall, because the leaves were gorgeous and made for some incredible mountain pictures as well.

The beautiful Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC

The dining and drinking scene at Biltmore is equally impressive. At the Inn at Biltmore, you can indulge in an authentic Afternoon Tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and teas of all kinds. Also located on the property is Antler Village, a mini-town complete with a museum, restaurants, shopping, and the winery.  You might think that the food in a tourist-heavy area would be conventional and uninspired; not the case with Bistro, a delicious farm-to-table spot where I ordered the most delicious scallop bucatini pasta. We also popped in Cedric’s Tavern, a casual pub named for George Vanderblit’s dog. Here, you can nosh on dishes like charcuterie plates, Jack and Coke marinated wings, and tavern pretzels. We enjoyed the house brown ale, produced by local brewery Highland.

Food and Wine at Biltmore Estate

You may have seen Biltmore wines at your local grocery store, but here you can try more than 20 wines of all varieties, made on the Estate. A free tasting and optional tour of the winery is included with Estate admission. Bottles of wine and wine-related gift items are available to take home after you decide on your favorite (or multiple favorites). You can also purchase all kinds of food items in the winery, such as Cheesy Bacon and Onion Dip Mix; I kept going back for more samples, then broke down and bought a packet of my own.

New life plan: Return to Biltmore at Christmas. The photos of the holiday decorations look absolutely stunning, and there are so many more tours to take, as well as plenty of food to try!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

A Visit To: Greenville, South Carolina

A Visit To - Greenville SC
Looking for a Southern culinary destination? Many Ohioans have journeyed to Savannah, or fallen in love with the charm of Charleston, but have you ever considered stopping by Greenville, South Carolina?

I was looking to explore someplace new, and after recommendations from both my boss and a Columbus Dispatch travel article, I was sold. So on my route home from Hilton Head Island, my husband and I made a quick detour to check out Greenville. Armed with dining recommendations from my boss, some advice from Twitter, and my own internet research, we scouted out some awesome locations where you can partake in some true Southern hospitality.

Fountain in Greenville SC

The first thing that will strike you about Greenville is the beauty of the downtown area. At every turn is a flower bed, a sculpture, or a fountain. Greenville is a former cotton mill mecca, and you can still see the warehouses and crumbling foundations of textile buildings throughout the city. Falls Park on the Reedy is the heart of it all, and the anchor for many of the local restaurants and shops. This waterfall-laden park is breathtaking, filled with picnic areas and pedestrian bridges. The energy here was infectious as well, with roaming Clemson fans and natives who were eager to share some of their favorite local spots.

The Trappe Door in Greenville SC

From funky taco joints to seafood, any cuisine you desire is a short walk from Falls Park. For an upscale dining experience, don’t miss High Cotton or Larkin’s on the River. Looking for authentic lowcountry fare? Look no further than Tupelo Honey Cafe. With flaky biscuits, country ham wontons, and fried chicken, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full stomach. Craving barbecue? Visit Smoke on the Water for pimento cheese, grilled shrimp, and pulled pork. Mast General Store is a fun shopping detour, where you can find clothes, gifts, and locally-made items like grits and spice rubs.

My day in Greenville SC

If you’re seeking a spot to imbibe, there are no shortage of locations. Pop into Dark Corner Distillery for a moonshine tasting; it’s a steal at $4 for 7 samples plus the shot glass to take home. Beer aficionados will love Trappe Door, a medieval dungeon-like watering hole complete with tons of Belgian-style brews and snacks. For a sports bar, Carolina Ale House is a good choice to catch a game and a craft pint.

Dark Corner Distillery

The bottom line? If you want to conquer a new foodie city, give this beautiful town a try. See you soon, Greenville!

Keep Connected,

Caroline